Irresistible Homemade Hot Cross Buns Recipe for Easter Joy
This Hot Cross Buns Recipe brings the festive aromas of spring and the joy of sharing delicious baked goods with loved ones.
Equipment
- - Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking tray
- Cling Film
- Dough Hook
Ingredients
For the Buns
- 250 grams Sultanas Substitute with currants, raisins, or dried cranberries, but soak them to retain moisture.
- 500 grams High-Grade Flour Substitute bread flour for better texture.
- 7 grams Dried Yeast Always check the expiry date to ensure effectiveness.
- 100 grams White Sugar Can be substituted with alternative sweeteners like honey or brown sugar.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Mixed Spice) Adjust according to taste for different spice profiles.
- 5 grams Salt Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough.
- 200 milliliters Milk Use dairy-free milk alternatives for a vegan option.
- 100 milliliters Warm Water
- 50 grams Butter Can be replaced with dairy-free spread or oil for a dairy-free version.
- 1 teaspoon Orange Zest Substitute with mixed peel or orange essence if unavailable.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Can be omitted or replaced with almond extract for variation.
- 1 large Egg Consider vegan recipes for egg replacement.
For the Crosses
- 40 grams Flour Creates the iconic cross on top.
- 30 grams Sugar
- water Water Combine until smooth for easy piping.
Instructions
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer, combine high-grade flour, dried yeast, sugars, ground spices, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, water, melted butter, orange zest, vanilla extract, and the egg until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix, kneading with a dough hook for about 5 minutes or by hand for 10 minutes.
- Incorporate Sultanas: Gently fold in the sultanas, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball, lightly oil the bowl, cover with cling film, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours.
- Shape Buns: Once risen, punch down the dough, divide it into 12 equal pieces, and shape each into smooth buns.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped buns on a lined tray, cover them again, and let them rise for an additional 1.5 hours.
- Preheat Oven: While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (fan bake).
- Make Crosses and Bake: To make the cross mixture, combine flour, sugar, and water until smooth. Pipe the crosses onto the buns and then bake for 30-40 minutes.
- Glaze: Brush the warm buns with a simple sugar syrup made from dissolved sugar in boiling water.
Notes
Serve warm with butter for a truly indulgent treat. Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.